HOW SOCIAL MEDIA HAS HELPED AND HINDERED DURING LOCKDOWN

LIFESTYLE

HOW SOCIAL MEDIA HAS HELPED AND HINDERED DURING LOCKDOWN CW: Diet Culture wellbeing. Even being on TikTok, a seemingly lightI think it is safe to say that my relationship with social media is very complicated. Like everything in life, it is not perfect. It can be delightful, but also has a very detrimental side. Lockdown has hearted platform, has exposed me to tips for quick weight loss. Why is this the case when our main priority should be surviving a global pandemic and practising self care? Why can’t we use lockdown to find peace in ourselves and our bodies, rather than being forced to compare ourselves especially increased the prominence of social media in to others?

our lives. It is a way to stay connected to our loved ones

and the events of the world, but we cannot ignore its The consistent posts of outings and socialising has toxic nature. highlighted a divide between people at the moment: those It would be naive of me to overlook how damaging social and others who still feel safer staying indoors and only media can be, particularly over the course of lockdown. going out when necessary. I definitely fall into the latter My mental health has not been the best over the past few category; even the need to go to work makes me anxious. months, and being ripped away from a sense of normality Of course, I am pleased for people who feel comfortable definitely took its toll on me. It took a while to adjust to going out and making use of services that are open again, this new way of living, and with the added weight of social however I cannot help feeling jealous and weary. Why do media, it has been a nightmare. In particular, there has people feel it is right to ignore social distancing guidelines been a consistent promotion of weight loss products. As and then post about it online? Why do they get to selfishly someone who has always been sensitive and conscious enjoy themselves, whilst those who are still being cautious about this topic, it has been dreadful seeing diet shakes or are vulnerable are confined to their homes? But in that and pills being shoved in my face. It is despicable that vein, I am glad to see who I want to associate myself with, brands are using this period of time to capitalise on and to see people for who they truly are. people’s insecurities, without consideration for their who are happy to try and return to a sense of normality, However, I cannot deny that I have found social media to be very educational recently, as well as being a very useful tool. It has been a way for us to stay connected to our loved ones, no matter how far away they may be. Social media has made lockdown more tolerable, and allowed us to communicate and feel part of a virtual community. Whether we are connecting over our favourite singers on Twitter, or sharing memes on TikTok, it has allowed us to escape the horrors of coronavirus. Aside from the trivial aspects, I do not think I am the only one to say that social media is a source of daily news. It has allowed for news to be more accessible, with threads on Twitter breaking down news stories and events around the world. Therefore, I think it is safe to say that social media has taught me a lot.

The internet is a wondrous, complex place. Of course it can be wholesome, but it is sometimes difficult to ignore its toxic nature.

WORDS BY BRODIE BROWN IMAGE BY SOPHIE WILLIAMS